Girardi expected boos from Yankees fans: 'I prepared my family for it'

Joe Girardi knows all too well the passion of the New York Yankees faithful.

After the skipper was berated by the club's fans for not challenging a hit-by-pitch call to Cleveland Indians pinch hitter Lonnie Chisenhall in Game 2 of the American League Division Series, the manager was heavily booed by those in attendance at Yankee Stadium for Game 3 Sunday as his name was called during introductions.

But, though he suddenly emerged as public enemy No. 1 in New York, Girardi was ready to face the backlash from Yankees fans, and he even warned his family to do the same.

"I kind of expected it. I've seen them boo players and managers that have a lot more status than I do," Girardi said postgame, via Chuck Modiano of the NY Daily News. "I was prepared for it. I prepared my family for it. I told my kids what was going to happen.

"But it's life. And again, it's not going to change who I am. It's no fun to be booed. But, they're passionate. Our fans are passionate and they want to win. They get upset when we don't win or if someone makes a mistake in their eyes, so that's all part of it. But you get the good side of it too, like tonight, the emotion, the emotion Tuesday against Minnesota, that's the trade-off."

In fairness, Girardi should have regained the trust of the fans that voiced their fierce displeasure pregame.

The 52-year-old managed his team to near perfection in a 1-0 Game 3 win to keep their postseason dreams alive, calling on fireballing closer Aroldis Chapman to record a rare five-out save.

The Yankees will host the Indians for another elimination game Monday, before traveling back to Cleveland for a deciding Game 5, if necessary.